PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the experience can vary significantly based on individual preferences and typing habits. The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, designed by KTT, offers a delightful typing experience that caters to those who desire a bit of auditory feedback alongside a soft touch. With a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, the Jacaranda ensures a fatigue-free typing experience, while its clacky sound profile adds a layer of enjoyment with each keystroke. Additionally, its extended 22mm spring introduces a bouncy sensation, making it an enticing choice for typists seeking a lively response. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents an exceptionally smooth typing feel that appeals to users who prioritize a quieter and more neutral sound signature. This switch leans towards the invigorating side, providing a satisfying and responsive experience without the extra auditory feedback. Both switches offer compelling benefits: the Jacaranda for those who appreciate a tactile pop and the Orange Sea for those who favor a sleek and unobtrusive experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, both models incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to similar acoustic attributes. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize enhanced sound clarity, as the translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for RGB lighting applications. Aesthetically, both switches appeal to users preferring visible lighting effects, with the polycarbonate top ensuring that the RGB lighting can shine through vibrantly. As a result, both models offer comparable auditory experiences from the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory effect. The similarities in bottom housing material across the two models mean that users can expect a consistent deeper sound when typing, as both switches utilize nylon to enhance the sound dampening qualities. This level of sound absorption contrasts with the clearer and clearer top housing, ensuring a balanced sound experience when engaging with these switches.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of each housing material influence the overall performance of each switch. Each switch's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings means that while they share similarities in sound clarity and depth, the individual experience will depend on how these materials interact when a key is pressed or released. Users will feel the nuanced impact of the nylon bottom when bottoming out, while the crisper polycarbonate tone resonates upon release. Thus, regardless of their specific models, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Orange Sea deliver complementary sound profiles through their thoughtfully selected materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches both offer a light typing experience, but they present slight differences in their actuation forces. The Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams, while the Orange Sea is even lighter at 37 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that they provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. For users who prioritize long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the lighter actuation force of the Haimu Orange Sea may be preferable, as it requires even less effort to trigger a keystroke. However, those who favor a more substantial feel in their typing experience might lean towards the Jacaranda, despite the marginal difference in actuation force. Overall, while both switches bottom out at the same force, the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit slight differences in travel distance, with the Jacaranda measuring 3.5 mm and the Orange Sea at 3.6 mm. This 0.1 mm difference indicates that the Orange Sea provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a fuller sensation while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Jacaranda's shorter travel distance could enhance responsiveness, making it a better fit for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Both switches fall within a relatively modern range—shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating their suitability for today’s dynamic typing and gaming demands. Ultimately, while the difference is minimal, those who favor a more abrupt feel might lean towards the Jacaranda, while those who appreciate a bit more depth may prefer the Orange Sea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is characterized by its clacky personality, producing a crisp and percussive feedback with each keystroke. The sound is bright and resonant, offering an immersive auditory experience that stands out on any keyboard setup. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches maintain a neutral sound signature, resulting in a quieter experience that minimizes auditory distractions. This difference means that while Jacaranda delivers an engaging and lively sound profile, the Orange Sea caters to users seeking a more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch offers a silky smooth typing experience that reduces resistance, allowing for an effortless press and release. The smoothness enhances the overall tactile sensation of typing, making it perfect for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Orange Sea switches provide an invigorating feel, characterized by prominent feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This translates to a slightly more tactile experience, described as accented, which creates a responsive and engaging typing sensation without being overwhelming. While each switch delivers a distinct typing feel, they cater to different preferences—one favoring a smooth glide and the other offering a more dynamic tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present unique sonic and tactile experiences tailored to different types of typists. The Jacaranda excels in delivering a lively, clacky sound and silky smooth feel that minimizes fatigue, making it perfect for extended typing. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a muted sound profile paired with an invigorating feel that combines both tactile feedback and a reactive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, with each switch providing its own merits for various typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your choice should reflect your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a more dynamic and lively typing experience, with a focus on auditory feedback, the Jacaranda's clacky sound profile and bouncy feel from its extended spring will deliver an enjoyable and engaging interaction. This switch is particularly appealing for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue with its light actuation force while keeping your writing experience vibrant. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more neutral typing experience with less auditory distraction, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its impeccably smooth feel and subdued sound signature make it ideal for environments requiring more focus or for tasks that involve prolonged typing without the added stimulation of pronounced sound. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you engage with your keyboard throughout your daily activities—whether you lean towards a stimulating or a serene typing atmosphere.
Mentioned in this article
